The city authorities initially set a condition: the bridge should not have not only supports, but also Calatrava's favorite element - the mast (it would interfere with helicopters landing and taking off from a nearby site). Also, the architect had to abandon his beloved white color: otherwise, the building would have merged with the snow-covered landscape during the long winter period.
Under the influence of all these restrictions, a pipe bridge of intertwining steel spirals appeared. Outside, it will be painted "Canadian red" (Calatrava was referring to the shade of both the national flag and the foliage of the Canadian maples). Inside, light colors will still prevail, including the pavement, which will be divided into three lanes: the central one will be given to cyclists, the side ones - to pedestrians. They will be protected from bad weather by glass floor panels. Bridge length - 130 m, width - 6.2 m; at night it is supposed to be illuminated with LEDs.
Construction is scheduled to begin this fall and complete in fall 2010. This will be the 6th bridge over the Bow River, accessible to pedestrians. Its main function is to link the Claire-Eau and Sunnyside districts; according to the estimates of the city authorities, about 5,000 people will use it every day. Its name deserves special mention: The Bridge of Peace is an allusion to the nearby Peace Park and Memorial Drive - "Memorial Drive", named in memory of the Canadian soldiers who died in the 1st World War.
The project budget is CAD 24.5 million.
